my 2004 f150 4.6 has acheck engine light on. flashes sometimes while on the highway. I know it missfiring. Considering changing the spark plugs. Any suggestions?

375

Asked by rwk87 Apr 05, 2017 at 07:46 AM about the 2004 Ford F-150 XLT Ext. Cab

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

2004 F150 xlt triton 4.6

17 Answers

223,915

Yes, a flashing check engine light is a indication of a miss fire, and if not taken care of, can cause damage to the catalytic converter. Spark plugs, and wires are the first thing to look at, then try to isolate the miss, may be a coil, or coil pack that may be bad and can be tested at an auto parts store.

1 people found this helpful.
375

Thank you. I plan to have the codes checked today and try to determine which one(s) are misfiring.

375

Ok, so I changed the number 7 coil. Truck runs great now! Reset the pcm. Ran for almost 500 miles. truck still running great but engine light came back on stating crank sensor. I am going to check the wires first. Any other sugguestions?

223,915

Yes, just check out the wiring, lot of times it is just a bad connection at the plugin. Check the plugin at the cam sensor also, the system is tied together so to speak. Another cause is if the sensor gets too far away from the reluctor due to rust. Just check it out.

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
375

I hope it is that simple. I have heard that changing the crank sensor is a not so easy task. I will take a look at cam sensor wiring as well, that one is easier to get to. Thank you

223,915

Your welcome. If it comes on down to it, the crankshaft sensor can be tested.

375

Thanks. Let's hope it just a loose connection or something like that then.

375

Ok. Crank sensor code is gone. Now a new code is up. P0430. The for what could cause this is a long one. Any suggestions on where to start

223,915

If the engine has ben running poorly, a miss fire, this damages the catalytic converters just below the exhaust manifolds. The catalytic converters need to be changed out, especially if you truck needs to pass emissions. P0430 code means that the vehicle's control module has detected that the three-way catalytic converter is not working properly (is not as efficient as the factory is expecting). Replacing the oxygen (O2) sensors may sometimes fix the code, but in most cases the catalytic convert needs to be replaced to fix the problem. If the P0430 code is combined with other codes, try fixing the other codes first. Here is a video to watch on this... https://youtu.be/xLyytQD7njw

375

I am eligible to get truck tags in my state. With these emissions is not required. I may do that until I can get enough together for a new catalytic converter

375

Would I need to replace both or just the one on the side that the misfire was on?

223,915

I am not sure if the "Y" pipe is two piece or not. They say cats last up to 150,000 miles, you may want to replace the upper two cats. Check with an exhaust shop on this one.

Your Answer:

F-150

Looking for a Used F-150 in your area?

CarGurus has 169,177 nationwide F-150 listings starting at $1,871.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2004 Ford F-150

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    42,520
  • #2
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    16,040
  • #3
    Rowefast
    Reputation
    15,860
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
4,160 Great Deals out of 123,229 listings starting at $1,999
Used GMC Sierra 1500
1,892 Great Deals out of 72,257 listings starting at $1,900
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
1,288 Great Deals out of 51,787 listings starting at $2,905
Used Toyota Tundra
1,044 Great Deals out of 31,821 listings starting at $2,999
Used Toyota Tacoma
2,176 Great Deals out of 55,903 listings starting at $3,995
Used Dodge RAM 1500
76 Great Deals out of 1,407 listings starting at $650
Used Ford Mustang
947 Great Deals out of 19,852 listings starting at $1,950
Used Ford Ranger
655 Great Deals out of 21,674 listings starting at $1,900
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
1,016 Great Deals out of 40,369 listings starting at $2,495
Used GMC Sierra 2500HD
543 Great Deals out of 24,583 listings starting at $3,995
Used Ford F-350 Super Duty
717 Great Deals out of 28,767 listings starting at $4,984
Used Ford Explorer
2,384 Great Deals out of 56,615 listings starting at $1,950

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Ford F-150 For Sale
138 Great Deals out of 98,923 listings starting at $28,694
2023 Ford F-150 For Sale
867 Great Deals out of 9,860 listings starting at $17,995
2022 Ford F-150 For Sale
789 Great Deals out of 7,935 listings starting at $15,565
2021 Ford F-150 For Sale
970 Great Deals out of 10,225 listings starting at $13,984
2020 Ford F-150 For Sale
561 Great Deals out of 5,479 listings starting at $8,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.